Editor's note: This is a feature in a series profiling some of Amarillo's prominent leaders in the Hispanic community. Amarillo Globe-News will publish one story each day through Oct. 15 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Rev.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - To Arnold Abbott, feeding the homeless in a public park in South Florida was an act of charity. To the city of Fort Lauderdale, the 90-year-old man in white chef's apron serving up gourmet-styled meals was committing a crime.

The federal government's partial shutdown has the city of Amarillo moving money to make up for funding cuts and looking warily at the future. For now, the largest impact is on funds for the transit system.

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Army veteran Don Matyja was getting by alright on the streets of this city tucked in Southern California suburbia until he got ticketed for smoking in the park. Matyja, who has been homeless since he was evicted nearly two years ago, had trouble paying the fine and getting to court - and now a $25 penalty has ballooned to $600.

...addiction doesn't just help others. It helps him, as well.Gatlin is the featured speaker at the Amarillo CoalitionfortheHomeless' Beans and Cornbread Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Amarillo Civic Center North Exhibit Hall, 401...